Where to Drink on National Margarita Day

If you’re going on this weekend, here’s a round up of spots you can get your tequila and lime on at for National Margarita Day. Totally Tropical … For the latest buzz among the North Hollywood neighborhood dining scene, executive Chef Warren Schwartz’s food & drink workshop Warren’s Blackboard at The Beverly Garland is not to be missed. The... Read More

If you’re going on this weekend, here’s a round up of spots you can get your tequila and lime on at for National Margarita Day.

Totally Tropical …

For the latest buzz among the North Hollywood neighborhood dining scene, executive Chef Warren Schwartz’s food & drink workshop Warren’s Blackboard at The Beverly Garland is not to be missed. The playful combination of fresh citrus juices, Don Julio Reposado tequila, pineapple and spicy jalapenos makes for a heavenly margarita with a nice little kick.

Spicy & Sweet …

After undergoing a $5 million transformation last year, the newly restyled W San Diego has set the bar yet again as one of the original boutique lifestyle hotel brands. With a focus on unique cocktails, the W San Diego serves up a delicious Ginger, Blackberry and Chili Margarita made with Milagro Anejo/Snap, fresh ginger root, blackberry puree, green and red chili’s, perfectly balanced with agave nectar and expertly topped off with fresh lime juice.

Dylan Prime, the Tribeca staple which just reopened this December with a new look and culinary perspective, offers an 1897 Fire cocktail, made with Cazadores Blanco Tequila, Illegal Mezal, Lemon, Grapefruit, Honey, Hellfire Habanero Shrub and Hopped Grapefruit Bitters. Longtime owner John Mautone has brought in Consulting Chef Kerry Heffernan (Eleven Madison Park, Montracht, Le Regence, Restaurant Bouley) to execute Modern American cuisine which now focuses on seasonal ingredients, fresh game and seafood. The new menu features items such as Arctic char with Jerusalem artichoke, tea brined duck breast with farro, housemade charcuterie and a make your own martini menu with stuffed olives with lobster, oyster and kimchee.

Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, CA, The Commons Bar proudly serves a delicious Skinny Scorpion made with Espolon Tequila, jalapeños muddled with fresh lime, cilantro, agave nectar and a splash of soda.

On a Lighter Note …

For a margarita with a sophisticated twist, Encore Champagne Bar & Dining Room in San Diego’s Gaslamp District offers the Sparkling Hibiscus Margarita ($12). The refreshing sparkling-cocktail is made with Ixa Organic Tequila, Fresh Lab Hibiscus Liqueur, fresh citrus and Swedish Bitters under a float of Piper-Heidsieck Brut. Encore Gaslamp, a premier champagne-centric concept in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, recently celebrated its opening in January 2014 and specializes in an extensive selection of fine champagnes and sparkling wines ranging from classic to rare vintages.

What’s a party without a little kick? Celebrate National Margarita Day with one of San Diego’s most creative blends, the Avocado-Rita at ‘Ritas Cantina at Harrah’s Rincon Casino and Resort in Valley Center, CA. Made with Avion Silver, triple sec, simple syrup, fresh avocado and lime juice, one sip delights your taste buds with bold and fresh flavor.

One of the trendiest hotels on Waikiki Beach, and a stones throw from the Ala Moana shopping mecca on O’ahu The Modern Honolulu’s library-themed bar, The Study gives a little nod to John Gray’s well-known book with its masculine and feminine inspired take on the traditional margarita:

Men Are From Mars: Head ‘south of the border’ with this handcrafted libation which sees manly Jose Cuervo Traditional paired with a feminine accent of St. Germaine elderflower liqueur, finished with a savory dash of olive gastrique and a pilsner float ($14).

Women Are From Venus: Only the best will do for the ladies – Imaginatively served in a wine glass, fragrant St. Germaine elderflower liqueur meets Jose Cuervo Traditional tequila, nicely balanced with sweet and sour “a la minute,” and a seductive bonnet of cabernet ($14).

Executive Chef Brian Malarkey’s hot spot Searsucker | San Diego & Del Mar, CA utilizes fresh, local and seasonal ingredients in unique ways to create the most innovative cocktails. Just like Malarkey’s personality, the cocktail menu serves playful yet serious cocktails including their Cinema-Inspired Margarita. A twisted version of a margarita, The “Latin Cinema” made with buttered popcorn tequila, pressed lime and agave nectar is inspired from the popular and classic movie theater snack, and is both sweet and satisfying to each palate.

The Classics …

Executive Chef Richard Sandoval’s authentic Mexican cantina Venga Venga Cantina & Tequila Bar has an extensive collection of over 100 tequilas and mezcals. One of the most unique margaritas on the menu is the Toro Toro, which is made with el Jimador reposed tequila, citrus, and a blood orange habanero infused puree, and served with a mole rim.

Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, The Pony Room at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is serving up their seasonal sipper, El Rey, made with Herencia Tequila, Barolo Chinato and topped off with Citrus Juice.

With its farm-to-table dining ethos and chic gastro-pub feel Tiburon Tavern at The Lodge at Tiburon is a class act. Highlighting Matadora Gold Tequila, sweet agave nectar, and fresh fruit juice their Tiburon Tavern Margarita is served over ice with a decadent Gran Marnier float. In four words: this cocktail is incredible!

Departing from the general concept of a hotel restaurant, Chandlers Restaurant & Lounge, in Carlsbad, CA presents a world of its own. One of the most sought after restaurants in North San Diego County and located at Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa, Chandler’s brings innovation and style to the local restaurant scene with eclectic, seasonal menus and specialty cocktails. The Chandler’s Margarita combines Silver Tequila, Mezcal, Patron Citronge, fresh lime juice, agave nectar and is finished with a salted rim – the perfect drink to enjoy the ocean views.

Award-winning chef, Anthony Meidenbauer and Block 16 owner Billy Richardson added a contemporary twist to one of the hippest locales off-the-strip in Vegas with their retro fine dining joint The Barrymore. Soak up the ambience in this food and wine lovers haven, while they serve up their Margarita de la Casa – a delectable blend of Davalos Añejo Tequila, St. Germain, agave nectar and lime.

Well known for their extensive selection of craft ales and world beers, Miss Rita at The Venetian’s very own tavern Public House in Las Vegas is not to be missed. A cheeky mix of Mescal, fresh lime and triple sec The Miss Rita is sweetened with OJ and a touch of agave – the perfect tipple for people watching along the Canal Shoppes.

New York City’s only Relais & Chateaux continues to offer guests singular experiences truly personalized for the hotel guest. The in-room mixology program allows for The Surrey to become even more of an extension of your home with your very own personal bartender in room. Guests select their spirit, vodka, gin, tequila, rum or bourbon and a personal bartender arrives to their room with an old fashioned bar cart with all the fixings needed for 4-5 perfect drinks. With the choice of tequila the bartender will shake up a Blackberry Mint Margarita with blackberries, mint, lime juice, simple syrup and Patrón Silver. Invite your friends, you have your very own high class bar in your room!